Hundreds of residents urge Brainerd council to reopen talks and allow Bridges on Seventh year‑round operation

Dozens of residents, volunteers and faith leaders urged the Brainerd City Council on May 5 to reopen consideration of a year‑round, multi‑year permit for the Bridges on Seventh homeless shelter and to allow the shelter to operate beyond its current seasonal schedule.

The pleas came during the council’s public forum, where speakers described the shelter as a source of short‑term stabilization and argued that closing it in warmer months leaves people without legal or safe alternatives. John Ward, a Brainerd property owner, urged the council to “Please allow the homeless shelter to open for the summer and give them a 3 year permit and do it tonight so their homeless people don't have to spend any more nights out.”

The appeals were joined by shelter operators, volunteers and faith communities. Bill Weir, who identified himself as operations manager for Bridges on Seventh, told the council: “All we're asking is for permission to continue doing what we do best, and that's serving the people of Brainerd.” Pam…